Pamela Clare Murphy (nee Halvorson) passed away peacefully at the Olathe Medical Center on Sept. 4 after overcoming every limit and exceeding every expectation, surrounded by family and friends.

Pamela was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., Aug. 28, 1959, to Garner “Gunner” and Sally Halvorson. She grew up in Hudson, Wis., with her sister, Patricia, and brothers, Brad and Daniel. Pam went to college at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wis., and upon graduation moved to Summit County, Colo., where she met her husband, Dan. They wed in front of family and friends on June 15, 1985, in Hudson. Two years later they welcomed their daughter, Melissa Lee, and in 1991 welcomed their son, Ryan Garner.

The family moved to Olathe, Kan., in 1993, where Pam began volunteering at Briarwood Elementary School and continued to volunteer, mentor, and help students in the area for 20 years. In 2009, Pamela was awarded the President’s Volunteer Award for her many years of service with the Olathe School District. Pam also enjoyed years of faithful fellowship with a prayer group, dancing and singing at Jazzercise, writing cards for every occasion, and cheering for everyone, always.

Pam was the most positive and joyful woman, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, lighting up every room and touching every life with love and happiness.

Pam was preceded by her father, Garner Halvorson, and will be cherished by her husband, Dan; daughter, Melissa; son, Ryan; granddaughter, Violet; mother, Sally; son-in-law, Steven; her brothers and sister; and so many, many more.

A Celebration of Life for Pamela Halvorson Murphy will be held from 2:00-5:00pm on Saturday, October 27th at the Hudson House Grand Hotel. In lieu of flowers, the family strongly recommends a contribution to the Pamela Murphy Memorial with the Olathe Public Schools Foundation, 315 North Lindenwood, Olathe, KS 66062, 913-780-8222, or visit the website www.olathepublicschoolsfoundation.org for the Pamela Murphy Memorial in honor and memory of Pam.